This Is What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Eating Carbs
Ow-carb diets have been cited as effective weight loss strategies for years.1
With the growing popularity of keto diet programs — and the Atkins diet before it — more and more people are considering reducing simple carbohydrates and sugars to improve their health. However, in any given health issue, it is important to note that there are pros and cons to every major change in your diet. Also, it is important to note that consulting a licensed doctor or dietitian is key to changing your eating habits safely.
Numerous studies show that low carb diets outperform low-fat diets in terms of weight loss, but that is not the only consideration when it comes to health and diet. long-term performance. In short, there are many conflicting messages about eating carbohydrates, so let's research what happens to your body when you stop eating.
What Happens To Your Body After Cutting Carbs
As with any major change, there are a few things to consider. According to Kimberly Gomer, MS, RD, LDN, "every time people cut carbs, they crave them." Therefore, it is not surprising that eating a few carbs affects the functioning of your body. Earlier, we analyze what you can do when switching to a low-carb diet.
You May Feel "Low-Carb" Fever.
Juliana Shalek, MS, RD, CDN, and founder of The Nutrition Suite say that following a low-carb diet often promotes rapid weight loss because cutting down on carbohydrates lowers blood sugar and insulin levels, which in turn lowers body fat.3 However, Kristin Kirkpatrick, a dietitian at Cleveland Clinic, argues that cutting out whole carbs can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and nausea that can last for days or even weeks, also known as "low carb fever." 4
Gomer describes the incident as well, saying he may have "brain fog and low energy." Glucose and carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our brains, so getting used to those foods has its consequences. "If we have a high-performance sports car, we put in premium fuel - so why not give our brain a little more fuel?" said Gomer.
Your Body Will Eventually Go Into Ketosis
If you cut down the carbohydrates completely, your body will eventually go into a state of ketosis when “carbon dioxide particles are released into the bloodstream because the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates.” 5 The keto diet may sound appealing at first, but fat is a slow-moving source of glucose, which means it takes longer for your body to reach it, so it will be harder to keep up with exercise and other activities.4
Gomer agrees, adding that "we need carbohydrates to exercise," so the level of your work should be considered when trying this approach.
Low fiber diets can have a detrimental effect on both intestinal health and heart health.
You Will Lose Weight First
During a keto diet, you will lose water weight first, which can be misleading, and then non-water weight will follow. A 2013 meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Nutrition comparing low-carb ketogenic diets with traditional low-fat diets found that low-carb diets could be effective in reducing obesity.6 But considering the long-term health concerns mentioned earlier , cutting them off completely does not seem to be a healthy long-term option.
What About Low-Carb Travel?
Nutritionist Kelly LeVeque told Chalkboard that we should also look at the "carbohydrate intake" of our diet rather than cutting it out altogether. Simply put; Carbohydrate means a percentage of the carbohydrate intake of a portion of fiber. As LeVeque explains, too many net-carb foods will end up being sugar in your body. Whole foods in nature do not have more than 30% carb density; even vegetables with a heavy carb will have less density than that. It is a processed food that goes well beyond that and, as we all know, should be avoided.7
According to Gomer, an individual's approach is important. "Most people are sensitive to processed carbs. There are people like Type 2 Diabetics and more insulin-resistant people who do better eating fewer carbs," he adds. However, in view of the possible negative consequences of limiting your diet, it is important to consult a professional to determine what is best for you.
Why You Should Look For Foods That Are High In Fiber
The good news is, there are plenty of delicious, high-fiber, and low-carb foods that you can enjoy. Since fiber is not digested or absorbed, it actually takes up space in your gut, giving you a feeling of fullness (and making it easier to cut down on junk food and overeating).
"High Fiber is gold," said Kimberly Gomer, Director of Nutrition at the Pricnic Longevity Center. In addition, "eating plenty of vegetables - the best carbs available - is the key to health," adding that in addition to making you feel good, vegetables "will provide you with nutritious food that fights cancer, a strong immune system, and heart support."
Registered nutritionist Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, of Maya Feller Nutrition, says the daily fiber recommendations for women are 25 grams (although more than 50 women should aim for 21 grams instead). fiber requirements, ”says the expert. "Low-fiber foods can have a negative impact on both intestinal health and heart health." 9
Final Takeaway
So, finally, do your research and prioritize eating healthy carbohydrates that have not been included in the refining process. Described as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and fats, fiber-rich foods will make you feel full and provide countless health benefits.